Real Betis playmaker Dani Ceballos has been linked with a move to Barcelona. The Spanish midfielder was the star attraction in the recently held European Under-21 Championship. Spain failed to clear the final hurdle as they lost to Germany by a solitary goal.
The player was adjudged the player of the tournament for his excellent performance for the La Roja. The Spaniard still has three-years remaining on his contract but what makes it even more appealing is his release clause. The 20-year-old has a paltry price tag of €15 m and if he continues to play like this, his value will surely escalate beyond normal proportions.
Barcelona had a very average last season so there is room for improvement in the next season. Newly appointed manager Ernesto Valverde would be hoping to add some fresh faces to the side in a hope to bring back the freshness and a tighter squad which would be able to launch a title bid along with a European challenge.
Andres Iniesta’s future as a starter is in the dark as the Spanish midfielder hasn’t been able to perform consistently. Probably time has come to phase out the midfielder slowly and Ceballos could be his potential successor.
His playing style is quite similar to that of Iniesta as he controls the midfield and can also impact the game in the advanced areas. He has a unique passing sense and considering his age, he will only grow as a player. So there will be substantial profit in investing in him.
Real Betis vice-president Lorenzo Serra Ferrer confirmed Barcelona’s interest in the player. They [Barcelona] asked me what my opinion of Dani was, and I gave it to them, and you can imagine what it was.”
Real Madrid are also believed to be chasing the player. Los Blancos are well acquainted with his talent and are ready to take him under their fold. According to some reports, the player has verbally agreed on a deal but wants to be assured of game time.
Zidane had his plans to let the player leave on loan to continue his development but the player has objected to this issue. The Catalans are a step ahead and are ready to induct him to the team as soon as he arrives so a tug of war is expected in the coming days.
Barcelona are still lurching in the transfer market as Valverde is yet to strike a deal in the summer. But the Spanish U-21 international could be the first of many if he agrees to the terms.
